HOMER Simpson, or Optimus Prime? It is a choice so many of us have thought about throughout our lives, and it finally has to be made at Vue Cinema this week.

HOMER Simpson, or Optimus Prime? It is a choice so many of us have thought about throughout our lives, and it finally has to be made at Vue Cinema this week. The robots in disguise face up to the four-fingered sunshine yellow Springfielder in the next wave of summer previews to arrive at the seaside.

And with a bumper crop of features coming in to Vue, get ready for the dayglo campness of Hairspray, the adventures of a dog in a fire station, plus a biopic of the Little Sparrow.

Transformers (12a) special preview:

The 1980s comes crashing into the 21st Century (it’s like Terminator in reverse), with this live action version of the robots-into-vehicles toy line - which had frustrated parents queuing outside Toy & Hobby at 7am on Christmas Eve, 1985.

The heroic Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, arrive on Earth to wage war with those naughty Decepticons, who are searching for the power-entrusting Allspark.

Their wicked leader, Megatron, carved its location on a pair of spectacles 150 years ago when he crashed to Earth, glasses which now belong to the unassuming Spike Witwicky...

Running time: 2hr 45.

The Simpsons Movie (PG) special preview:

They sure took their time making this one. Almost 20 years after The Simpsons phenomenon exploded on to American TV screens, our favourite Springfielders finally make the leap in to the multiplex.

The production team waited until they found exactly the right plot to turn into a full-length feature, and although some secrecy will remain until opening night, it appears Homer may have forced a permanent mass evacuation of his home town after filling the river with toxic waste. Silly man.

Running time: 1hr 50.

Knocked Up (15) special preview:

This charmingly titled film features Ben, a couch potato who somehow woos Alison, a career girl while at a bar one evening.

Some time later, Alison - plus bump - appears on his doorstep and the mismatched pair decide they have to work at a relationship with each other for the sake of Junior’s impending arrival.

Running time: 2hr 25.

Hairspray (15) new release:

The original was only made in 1988, but who cares? It’s not every day you see John Travolta in plump-drag.

He plays the mother of good-natured Tracy Turnblad, who is determined to appear on her favourite programme, The Corny Collins Show.

However, the scheming Amber Von Tussle, the yin to Miss Turnblad’s yang, is going to do whatever she can to ensure she is the only girl going primetime.

Running time: 2hr 15.

La Mome - La Vie En Rose (12a)

The life story of Edith Piaf is told in vivid detail. You’ll marvel at the huge voice contained within a waif-like frame, and possibly weep for her by the story’s end (French with English subtitles).

Running time: 2hr 40.

Firehouse Dog (PG)

Rexxx, a canine Hollywood star, winds up in a firehouse (hence the title) and falls in with young Shane Fahey.

It’s all good clean family fun, as the six-legged duo do their best to get the station in order.

Running time: 2hr 10.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (12a):

The fifth Harry Potter film in six years (so Daniel Radcliffe should still look like a teenager by the time of the Deathly Hallows) sees JK Rowling’s epic tale turn the corner towards the final confrontation with Voldemort.

Nobody believes Harry or his pals that He Who Must Not Be Named is warming his troops up for a comeback, and back at Hogwarts the Defence Against the dark Arts teacher is a nasty piece of work, and our hero has to deal with his first teenage crush. Crumbs.

Running time: 2hr 50.

Die Hard 4.0:

Bruce Willis and that vest are reunited for the fourth time as John McClane takes on terrorism in the internet age.

There may be an explosion or two.

Running time: 2hr 30.

Shrek The Third (U):

Everyone’s favourite ogre is now happily settled in the Land of Far, Far Away with his cherished bride Fiona, but when his father-in-law becomes ill, it seems Shrek will become heir to the throne.

That would mean the Big Green has to give up his beloved swamp once and for all, so sets out to make sure it doesn’t happen, while Fiona and her girly pals sort out a pincer movement to see off the conniving Prince Charming.

Running time: 1hr 50.

WE have a pair of Vue cinema tickets to give away to one lucky Southport Visiter reader in this week’s competition.

To enter the prize draw, just answer the following film question correctly: In what year was the original Hairspray film made?